Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Adult Field Trips

A Winter Raptors, Waterfowl & Rural Birds

Fri, Feb 12; 9 am to 5 pm

Register

Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche

Join Museum naturalists in search of the avian residents and visitors of Lorain County. While the focus of the search will center on winter raptors known to favor certain sites, rural Lorain County can produce wonderful views of Horned Larks, Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs. Early waterfowl migration is possible, and a stop at the Wellington Reservoir is a must!

Members: $12; nonmembers: $15.

Limit 12.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 5.

Difficulty:2 (1-4 scale)

Travel Via Museum Van.


A Annual Winter Trip to the Sundberg Meadow

Sat, Feb 13; 10 am to noon

Register

Dr. Jim Bissell, Stanley Stine, Garrett Ormiston

Join us for a field trip that has become a yearly tradition at the Museum. The Sundberg Meadow is a great place to cast away the drudge of cabin fever and commune with nature. We will look for signs of birds and mammals that are utilizing this vast meadow during the winter months.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit 25.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 2.

Difficulty:2 (1-4 scale)


A Pond Brook Restoration Area at Liberty Park

Sat, Feb 27; 10 am to 1 pm

Register

Stanley Stine, Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche

Visit this highly successful wetland restoration project, one of the most unique in Northeast Ohio, perhaps in the state. We’ll be expecting the Northern Shrike to make an appearance, with the possibility of a Rough-legged Hawk as well. Whether mud or snow, we’ll also be looking for the tracks of fox and coyotes as we view the beautiful vista of the Pond Brook drainage area.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3.

Difficulty: 2 (1-4 scale)


A Winter at the Sparks Preserve

Sat, Mar 6; 1 to 4 pm

Register

David Kriska and Garrett Ormiston

The first weekend of March can bring many things including 6 inches of snow and brazen, (a.k.a. crazy) male red-winged blackbirds coming up from warmer haunts to set up territory and await the arrival of females. We will enjoy a late winter hike at one of the Museum’s newest natural areas, the Sparks Preserve, as we fulfill our New Year’s promise to get off our sofas and spend more time outdoors.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit 25.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3.

Difficulty:2 (1-4 scale)


A The Eyes Have It

Sat, Mar 6; 8 to 10 pm

Register

Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche, Garrett Ormiston

Join naturalists on a night hike in search of owls and other twilight-loving creatures at the Wendtwood Preserve. Participants will look for signs and hopefully hear the mournful hoots of the Great Horned Owl and the piercing whinny of the Eastern Screech Owl. Perhaps the glowing eyes of a fox, deer or other nocturnal mammal will add to the evening’s investigations. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 2.

Difficulty:2.5 (1-4 scale)

Travel Time= 45 mins W of CMNH


A Spring Wings XXIX: Encountering Swans, Eagles and the Harbingers of Spring

Sun Mar 7; 8 am to 5 pm

Register

Dr. Tim Matson and Harvey Webster

Join us as we travel to select locations in Northeast Ohio for flocks of Tundra Swan, early nesting American Bald Eagle, diving ducks and additional waterfowl, raptors and seasonally serendipitous sightings. Areas we’ll visit include LaDue, Mosquito Creek and Pymatuning Reservoirs, as well as wooded and open-ground habitats suitable for raptors and early migrants. A Museum favorite for 28 years, this is a great trip to see wildlife at its wildest, put winter behind us and look forward to spring.

Members $35; nonmembers $45.

Transportation by Museum van

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3

Difficulty:2 (1-4 scale)


A Winter Birds & Waterfowl

Fri, Mar 12; 8 am to 5 pm

Register

Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche

Nestled in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Presque Isle is an historical staging area for numerous waterfowl and gulls. Join naturalists in their exploration of this famous birding area. Winter Finches, Southern Owls and Northern Shrikes are always a possibility here at this time of year.

Members: $12; nonmembers: $15.

Transportation by Museum Van. 

Limit 12.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 5.

Difficulty: 2 (1-4 scale)


A Winter Buds

Sat, Mar 20; 10 am to 1 pm

Register

Dr. Jim Bissell, Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche

Join our hardy band of leaders as we investigate this picturesque river corridor for the unique beauty of tree and plant buds as they develop to meet the springtime warmth. Learn useful identification skills for some of the rare species of shrubs found along the banks of the hemlock ravine. An added bonus can be sightings of the secretive birds that make this unusual area their home.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3.

Difficulty:2.5 (1-4 scale)


A Travel Preview Night

Wed, March 24, at the Museum; 7 to 9 pm

Register

Travel preview nights feature upcoming travel opportunities within the Explorer Travel Club. The program is free, but registration is recommended.


A Spring Salamandering at the Grand River Terraces

Sat, Mar 27; 7:30 to 10 pm

Register

Dr. Tim Matson, Roberta Muehlheim, David Kriska, Garrett Ormiston

The last weekend in March is a great time to visit the Grand River Terraces after dark. If the conditions are right, the echoing calls of frogs can be a true stereo experience, and we will likely get an up-close glimpse of the frogs and salamanders that utilize the many ponds at the preserve. Join us for some hands-on fun as we experience the nightlife of vernal pools.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit: 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 2.5.

Difficulty:3 (1-4 scale)

Travel Time= 45 mins E of CMNH


A Urban Rocks: Near West Side / Ohio City Stones

Sat, Apr 3; 8:30 am to noon

Register

Dr. Joe Hannibal

Join us for a tour of classic near West Side Cleveland structures, with a close look at the local and imported stones used in their construction. We will examine the stone, architecture and setting of a series of bridges, churches and other structures. These will include the Old Viaduct, St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge and St. Patrick’s Church.

Members: $14; nonmembers: $17.

Travel by Museum Van 

Limit: 12.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3.

Difficulty:3 (1-4 scale)


A Spring Stroll at the Floyd Preserve

Sat, Apr 3; 10 am to 1 pm

Register

Stanley Stine and Garrett Ormiston

Join us for a spring hike through one of the Museum’s newest natural areas. The Floyd Preserve contains a high-quality coldwater tributary to the Conneaut Creek. It also contains beautiful woodlands, and several ponds that we can check for amphibians.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit: 25.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3.

Difficulty:3 (1-4 scale)


A Spring Salamandering at Wendtwood

Sat, Apr 3; 7:30 to 10 pm

Register

Roberta Muehlheim, David Kriska, Garrett Ormiston

Old man winter is reluctantly releasing his grip, and the salamanders and frogs know it. The last weekend in March often brings the first warm air mass and the smells and sounds of spring. If the conditions are right, the sound of spring can be deafening with the calls of spring peepers and wood frogs around sunset. Join us for some "hands-on" fun as we track down these tiny critters with impressive voices!

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit: 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 2.5.

Difficulty:3 (1-4 scale)

Travel Time= 1.25 hrs E of CMNH


A Canoeing for Garlic Mustard in the Gorge

Sat, Apr 10; 9 am to 4 pm (rain-date Sun, Apr 11)

Register

David Kriska, Keith Moran, Garrett Ormiston

Spend a spring day canoeing in the gorge of the state designated Wild and Scenic Grand River. After only a few spring trips pulling out the invasive garlic mustard, we have kept this "Gorge-ous" section of the river from being overrun by this alien invader. We’ll also stop to admire the old growth Hemlock ravines and waterfalls at the Museum’s own natural area along the river, the 46-acre Cash/Hertrick Preserve.

Members: $10; nonmembers: $15.

Limit: 10.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 6.

Difficulty:3 (1-4 scale)

Travel Time= 1.25 hrs E of CMNH


A Amphibians along the Ashtabula

Sat, Apr 10; 10 am to 1 pm

Register

Stanley Stine, Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche

We will be exploring the channel ponds of this preserve, looking for signs of amphibian activity. What’s a channel pond? Come and find out. We’ll also note early spring wildflowers, that is, if the snow has left our region! After the long winter, join us to celebrate springtime with the amphibians. You never know what early migrating birds we may see as well.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit: 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3.

Difficulty: 3 (1-4 scale)

Travel Time: 1.25 Hrs NE of CMNH


A Early Spring Wildflowers

Sat, Apr 17; 10 am to 1 pm

Register

Stanley Stine, Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche

As one of our newest sites, the Cox Preserve adds a pristine beauty to the Museum’s preserve system. While the focus is the search for early spring wildflowers, join naturalists in probing the wooded hills and valleys for amphibians, birds and the possibility of finding rarities in this hidden natural hideaway.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit: 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3.

Difficulty: 2 (1-4 scale)

Travel Time= 1 hr SW of CMNH


A Grand Wildflowers

Fri, Apr 23; 10 am to 4 pm

Register

Dr. Jim Bissell and Stanley Stine

Springtime in Ashtabula County is a must-see event. This preserve offers wonderful examples of wildflowers, vernal pool life and hosts a magnificent, diverse floodplain environment. Bird migration will provide us with song and sights aplenty. This is a favorite preserve to visit at any season but a spring visit can’t be beat.

Members: $10; nonmembers: $12.

Limit: 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 4.

Difficulty: 1.5 (1-4 scale)

Travel Time= 1 hr E of CMNH


A Garlic Mustard Pull at the Medina Preserve

Sat, May 1; 10 am to 2 pm

Register

Garrett Ormiston and Trish MacKeigan

Join the Museum’s Stewardship Team for a garlic mustard pull and nature hike along the scenic Rocky River. We will likely see a vast array of native spring-blooming wildflowers as we remove garlic mustard from a stretch of the Rocky River floodplain. We will also discuss why garlic mustard is so threatening to floodplain habitats. Light refreshments will be provided for all participants at the end of the trip.

Members and nonmembers: Free.

Limit: 30.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 4.

Difficulty: 2 (1-4 scale)


A Wild Flowers at the Grand River Gorge

Fri, May 7; 10 am to 2 pm

Register

David Kriska and Keith Moran

Join us for a hike through one of the Museum’s newest preserves as we look for spring wildflowers. We’ll also look for salamanders and do some bird watching. Then we’ll descend into the gorge down to the Grand River. 

Members: $8; nonmembers: $12

Limit 10

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 4

Difficulty: 2 (1-4 scale)

Drive Time: 1 hour E of CMNH


A Garlic Mustard Pull at the Taber Preserve

Sat, May 8; 10 am to 2 pm

Register

Garrett Ormiston and Trish MacKeigan

Spring is a beautiful season to take a walk along the scenic Chagrin River. We will look at some of the native wildflowers that are growing on the floodplain and take time to pull the invasive garlic mustard that we encounter along the way. We will also explain why removing garlic mustard is so crucial to maintaining the quality of floodplain ecosystems. Light refreshments will be provided for all participants at the end of the hike.

Members and nonmembers: Free.

Limit: 30.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 4.

Difficulty: 2 (1-4 scale)


May 9 to 17, 2010

Dr. Brian Redmond and Dr. Steve Lekson

Visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park and Canyon de Chelly National Monument archaeological sites with Curator of Archaeology Dr. Brian Redmond and Dr. Steve Lekson from the University of Colorado, the pre-eminent scholar of southwestern United States archaeological sites.

The price for the trip will be $3245 per person double occupancy, and includes ground transportation, lodging, breakfast and lunches, all park entry fees, and guides. Airfare is variable and may change by $410. The trip price includes a tax-deductible donation to The Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Limit 16.

A Flights of Fancy: Big Day for Birds

Sun, May 9, 4 pm to Mon, May 10, 4 pm

Register

Nancy Howell, Dr. Andy Jones, Dr. Tim Matson

In May the southern shore of Lake Erie is a major stopping point for migrating birds heading north. Birds rest and feed before trekking over or skirting around the lake giving us an opportunity to see them up close. Join us to explore and experience Winous Point Shooting Club (part of the Winous Point Marsh Conservancy), Magee Marsh Wildlife Refuge and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge as we tally up 100 plus species. We will spend Sunday afternoon and evening at Winous Point then head to Magee Marsh and/or Ottawa on Monday. Part of the trip is experiencing the lodging at Winous Point and the surrounding wetlands. Participants will drive to Winous Point where lodging is dormitory style. Dinner Sunday evening and breakfast Monday morning will be provided at the Winous Point clubhouse. Bag lunches will be taken into the field. Museum vans will take participants to birding areas. Note: This program is designed for the avid birder and is not suitable for youths under the age of 16.

Members: $150; nonmembers: $175.

Limit 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 8.

Difficutly: 2 (1-4 scale)


A Warbler Migration

Thurs, May 13; 8 am to 5 pm

Register

Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche

Bird migration will be in full swing at this time of year. Numerous vireo, thrush and warbler species will be the target of our birding trek. Add to this the chance to see several Bald Eagles and this trip should please even the most hard-core birder!

Members: $12; nonmembers: $15.

Limit 12.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 5.

Difficulty: 1.5 (1-4 scale)

Travel via Museum Van.


A Bird Banding on Kelleys Island

Sat, May 15; 9 am to 1 pm

Register

Tom Bartlett, Larry Rosche, Judy Semroc

Join Museum naturalists and bird bander Tom Bartlett on Kelleys Island for a demonstration on bird banding. Bartlett has been banding birds on the island for the last 12 years. Observing the banding of these small beauties will change your entire perception of the birds you see from a distance through binoculars. Travel to the island on the 9 am Kelleys Island ferry from Marblehead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation once on the island. Site is not within walking distance of the ferry landing, so either bring your car or bicycle to the island. Ferry fee not included.

Members: $10; nonmembers: $12.

Limit 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3.

Difficulty: 2 (1-4 scale)

Travel time= 1.5 hrs W of CMNH


A Bike the Cuyahoga Valley with a Naturalist

Sat, May 22; 10 am to 4:30 pm

Register

Nathan Taxel

The towpath trail is one of our greatest resources in Northeast Ohio, but do you know all there is to see there? Join the Museum for our first-ever "bike ride with a naturalist" and learn about the ecosystems that surround the path. We will leisurely ride from the Canal Visitor Center south 11.3 miles to the Peninsula Depot Visitor Center, stopping frequently to look at migratory birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as lots of plants and wildflowers. In Peninsula, we will catch a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Rail Road for the return trip back to our cars. Please contact outdoor education coordinator Nathan Taxel at (216) 231-4600, ext. 3251 with questions or for bike rental information.

Members: $15; nonmembers: $20.

Limit 10.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 6.

Difficulty: 3 (1-4 scale)


A Jewels of the Cuyahoga

Sun, May 23; 9 am to 1 pm

Register

Judy Semroc, Larry Rosche, Dan Best

Join us on a canoe/kayak trip, up or down the Upper Cuyahoga, seeking Jewelwing damselfly and Prothonotary Warblers. We hope participants will be distracted by the antics of the nesting Prothonotary Warblers that frequent this stretch of the river.

Members: $20; nonmembers: $25.

Limit 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 4.

Difficulty: 3 (1-4 scale)

Travel Time= 1 hr E of CMNH


A Lupine at the Barrens

Sat, May 29; 10 am to 4 pm

Register

Dr. Jim Bissell and Stanley Stine

The purple spike of the native lupine is a sight worth seeing and there are plenty at our North Kingsville Sand Barrens. Walk the ancient sand dunes with us as we discuss the prehistoric formation of this land, a rare remnant in Ohio. The lupine is the host plant of the Karner Blue Butterfly’s caterpillar and, though the butterfly no longer resides here, we’ll have an opportunity to discuss the reliance that all wild creatures have upon plant diversity and why the Museum’s preserves are saving the best of the best in Northeast Ohio.

Members: $10; nonmembers: $12.

Limit 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 4.

Difficulty: 1 (1-4 scale)

Travel Time= 1 hr. NE of CMNH


A Plant Rescue - Help Save the Wildflowers!

Sun, May 30; 9 am to 3 pm

Register

Judy Semroc, Garrett Ormiston, Trish MacKeigan

Help us rescue plants for our gardens. Each year we arrange visits to development sites in Northeast Ohio to save the native plants. Join us on site to dig out the native plants. Afterward, we’ll travel to the Museum to plant them in our native wildflower gardens.

Members: $6; nonmembers: $8.

Limit 20.

Naturalist Certificate Hours: 3.

Difficulty: 1 (1-4 scale)


Late July or Early August 2010

Shore birds by the thousands stage and migrate along coastal Massachusetts. This is also breeding habitat for Piping Plover and Roseate Tern. Learn about the work of the Goldenrod Foundation and Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, all near historic Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation. Finalized dates and costs to be determined.


Sun, Aug 29 to Mon, Sept 13, 2010 (with optional 8-Day Extension to Bird the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforests)

Register

Curator of Ornithology Dr. Andy Jones and Dave Davenport

The Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world and is home to the greatest wildlife concentrations on the South American continent. The wide open spaces of the Pantanal provide excellent wildlife viewing. Expect to see huge numbers of caiman and waterbirds herds of capybara, small groups of marsh deer and anacondas. With luck we could see giant anteater, giant river otter, tapir, maned wolf, ocelot and even the elusive jaguar. The birdlife is no less spectacular including flightless rheas, giant jabiru storks, colorful toco toucans and, the symbol of the Pantanal, the endangered hyacinth macaw. We will visit both the northern and southern portions of the Pantanal during our trip in order to maximize our chances of seeing the greatest diversity of wildlife. We also offer an exciting and bird-filled post-trip extension to Cristalino Lodge in the Southern Amazon.

$7,394 per person double occupancy INCLUDING airfare. Optional 8-day extension is $8,962. $1,000 due at time of registration. 1/2 of total cost due by April 24, 2010.

Limit: 16.